Cycle Syncing: Science vs. Social Media Hype Explained

Cycle Syncing: Complete Guide to Science, Evidence, and What Actually Works

Cycle syncing—the practice of aligning exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle with menstrual cycle phases—has exploded on social media, with influencers claiming it optimizes performance, energy, and health. But does the science actually support these claims? This comprehensive guide separates evidence-based facts from social media hype, helping you understand what cycle syncing can and cannot do.

What is Cycle Syncing?

Definition

Cycle syncing is the practice of tailoring exercise intensity, nutrition, and lifestyle activities to different phases of the menstrual cycle, based on the theory that hormonal fluctuations affect physical performance and nutritional needs.

The Four Menstrual Cycle Phases

Phase 1: Menstruation (Days 1-5)
  • Hormone levels: Low estrogen, low progesterone
  • Claimed benefits: Rest, recovery, lighter exercise
  • Recommended nutrition: Iron-rich foods, warm meals
Phase 2: Follicular Phase (Days 6-14)
  • Hormone levels: Rising estrogen
  • Claimed benefits: High-intensity training, strength building
  • Recommended nutrition: Lean proteins, complex carbs
Phase 3: Ovulation (Days 15-17)
  • Hormone levels: Peak estrogen, LH surge
  • Claimed benefits: Peak performance, competitive activities
  • Recommended nutrition: Balanced macronutrients
Phase 4: Luteal Phase (Days 18-28)
  • Hormone levels: High progesterone, declining estrogen
  • Claimed benefits: Moderate intensity, endurance training
  • Recommended nutrition: Increased calories, healthy fats

The Science Behind Cycle Syncing

What We Know About Hormones and Performance

Hormonal Changes Across the Cycle:
✅ Confirmed: Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate significantly
✅ Confirmed: These hormones affect muscle, metabolism, and mood
✅ Confirmed: Some women experience symptoms (fatigue, cramps, mood changes)
❓ Unclear: Whether these changes meaningfully affect athletic performance
❓ Unclear: Whether cycle-based training produces better results

Exercise Performance and the Menstrual Cycle

What the Research Shows:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (McNulty et al., 2020):
Study Details:
  • Analyzed 78 studies on menstrual cycle and exercise performance
  • Examined strength, power, endurance, and aerobic performance
  • Assessed effect sizes across cycle phases
Key Findings:
  • Trivial differences in exercise performance between cycle phases
  • Slight reduction in performance during early follicular phase (first 5 days)
  • Effect size: Very small (0.1-0.3 on standardized scale)
  • Conclusion: No universal guidelines can be made
What This Means:
  • Performance differences exist but are minimal
  • Individual variability is enormous
  • Some women show no cycle-related performance changes
  • Others show significant changes
  • Cannot predict individual response
Evidence: Large systematic reviews show only trivial differences in exercise performance between menstrual phases, with high individual variability (McNulty et al., 2020; Colenso-Semple et al., 2023; Rosińska-Lewandoska et al., 2025).

Strength Training and Menstrual Cycle

Resistance Training Study (Colenso-Semple et al., 2023):
Research Question: Does menstrual cycle phase affect strength gains from resistance training?
Findings:
  • No significant difference in strength development between phases
  • Muscle adaptations similar regardless of cycle phase
  • Conclusion: Menstrual cycle phase does NOT influence strength training adaptations
Clinical Implication:
  • Women can strength train effectively year-round
  • No need to modify resistance training based on cycle phase
  • Consistency matters more than cycle timing

Nutrition and Metabolism Across the Cycle

Metabolic Changes

What Changes:
  • Resting metabolic rate: Increases 5-10% in luteal phase
  • Calorie expenditure: Slightly higher in luteal phase
  • Nutrient absorption: Minor variations
  • Appetite: Often increases in luteal phase
What Doesn't Change Significantly:
  • Macronutrient needs (protein, carbs, fats)
  • Micronutrient requirements
  • Overall calorie needs (modest increase only)
Evidence: Metabolic and nutrient-related changes do occur, but their practical impact on performance or dietary needs is not well established (Draper et al., 2018; Helm et al., 2021).

Practical Nutritional Impact

Calorie Needs Across Cycle:
Phase Calorie Increase Practical Significance
Menstruation Baseline Minimal change
Follicular Baseline Minimal change
Ovulation +50-100 cal/day Negligible for most
Luteal +100-300 cal/day May notice increased appetite

Real-World Application:
  • Increase of 100-300 calories = 1 extra snack
  • Most women adapt naturally through hunger cues
  • Formal "cycle syncing nutrition" not necessary for most
Recommendation: Listen to hunger cues rather than following strict phase-based nutrition plans.

Menstrual Symptoms and Exercise Participation

What's Real: Menstrual Symptoms

Common Symptoms Affecting Exercise:
Symptom Prevalence Impact on Exercise
Fatigue 60-80% Reduced motivation, lower intensity
Cramps 50-70% Pain, reduced participation
Bloating 40-60% Discomfort, reduced enjoyment
Mood changes 30-50% Motivation fluctuations
Headaches 20-40% Reduced ability to exercise

Study Data (Bruinvels et al., 2020):
Research on 6,812 Women Athletes:
  • Symptoms common: 90% reported menstrual symptoms
  • Impact on training: 60% reduced training availability due to symptoms
  • Impact on competition: 50% missed competitions due to symptoms
  • Key finding: Symptoms affect participation, not necessarily performance
Important Distinction:
  • Women may feel worse during certain phases
  • But actual performance capacity often unchanged
  • Psychological/comfort factors matter more than physiological limits

Mood and Mental Health Across the Cycle

Mood Changes Are Real:
Study Findings (Pierson et al., 2021):
  • Analyzed mood data from 28,000+ women
  • Tracked daily mood, behavior, and vital signs
  • Correlated with menstrual cycle phases
Results:
  • Mood fluctuations exist across cycle
  • Largest changes: Around menstruation and ovulation
  • Magnitude: Modest but noticeable for many women
  • Individual variation: Huge differences between women
Clinical Significance:
  • Some women experience premenstrual mood changes (PMDD)
  • Others show minimal mood variation
  • Psychological factors (stress, expectations) influence perceived changes
  • Cannot predict individual response

Cycle Syncing on Social Media: The Hype

How Cycle Syncing Went Viral

Social Media Trends:
TikTok and Instagram:
  • Influencers promoting "cycle syncing" for optimal performance
  • Claims of 30-50% performance improvements
  • "Science-backed" recommendations
  • Millions of views and followers
The Problem:
  • Many creators lack medical/scientific credentials
  • Claims often exaggerate or misrepresent research
  • Oversimplification of complex physiology
  • Anecdotal evidence presented as universal truth

Misinformation Patterns

Common Claims vs. Reality:
Social Media Claim Scientific Reality Evidence
"Train hard in follicular phase" Minimal performance difference McNulty et al., 2020
"Rest during menstruation" Symptoms vary; performance not impaired Colenso-Semple et al., 2023
"Eat more carbs in luteal phase" Calorie increase modest (~100-300 cal) Draper et al., 2018
"Cycle syncing increases gains by 50%" No evidence for dramatic improvements Helm et al., 2021
"All women should cycle sync" Individual variability huge McNulty et al., 2020

Research on Social Media Messaging (Pfender et al., 2024; Pfender et al., 2025):
Study: Analysis of cycle syncing content on TikTok
Findings:
  • Limited scientific support: Most claims lack evidence
  • Credential gaps: Many creators not qualified to give advice
  • Oversimplification: Complex physiology reduced to simple rules
  • Risk of misinformation: Potential to mislead women
Conclusion: Cycle syncing is widely discussed online with claims often outpacing scientific evidence.

What the Research Actually Supports

Evidence-Based Facts About Menstrual Cycles and Exercise

✅ SUPPORTED BY RESEARCH:
  1. Hormonal fluctuations occur
    • Estrogen and progesterone change predictably
    • These hormones affect various body systems
    • Citation: McNulty et al., 2020
  2. Menstrual symptoms are common
    • 60-90% of women experience symptoms
    • Symptoms can affect exercise participation
    • Citation: Bruinvels et al., 2020
  3. Individual responses vary widely
    • Some women show cycle-related performance changes
    • Others show none
    • Cannot predict individual response
    • Citation: McNulty et al., 2020; Colenso-Semple et al., 2023
  4. Mood and well-being fluctuate
    • Menstrual cycle affects mood for many women
    • Changes are modest but noticeable
    • Huge individual variation
    • Citation: Pierson et al., 2021
  5. Metabolic rate increases slightly in luteal phase
    • 5-10% increase in resting metabolic rate
    • Calorie needs increase ~100-300 calories
    • Natural hunger increase compensates
    • Citation: Draper et al., 2018
❌ NOT SUPPORTED BY RESEARCH:
  1. Cycle syncing dramatically improves performance
    • No evidence for major performance gains
    • Effect sizes are trivial
    • Citation: McNulty et al., 2020
  2. All women should follow the same cycle-based training plan
    • Individual variability too high
    • No universal guidelines possible
    • Citation: Colenso-Semple et al., 2023
  3. Menstrual cycle phase significantly impairs strength training
    • No difference in strength adaptations
    • Women can strength train effectively year-round
    • Citation: Colenso-Semple et al., 2023
  4. Formal cycle-based nutrition is necessary
    • Natural hunger cues usually sufficient
    • Calorie increase modest and manageable
    • Citation: Helm et al., 2021

Practical Recommendations: What Actually Works

For Exercise and Training

Evidence-Based Approach:
✅ DO:
  • Train consistently year-round
  • Listen to your body and symptoms
  • Adjust intensity based on how you feel
  • Maintain strength training throughout cycle
  • Track your own patterns (not social media claims)
❌ DON'T:
  • Avoid heavy lifting during certain phases
  • Follow rigid phase-based training plans
  • Expect dramatic performance improvements
  • Assume social media claims apply to you
Personalization Strategy:
  1. Track your own performance over 2-3 cycles
  2. Note when you feel strongest/weakest
  3. Adjust training based on YOUR patterns
  4. Ignore generic "cycle syncing" advice
  5. Consult coach/trainer familiar with your data

For Nutrition

Evidence-Based Approach:
✅ DO:
  • Eat adequate protein year-round
  • Consume balanced macronutrients
  • Stay hydrated consistently
  • Listen to hunger cues
  • Eat more when hungry (especially luteal phase)
❌ DON'T:
  • Follow rigid phase-based meal plans
  • Drastically change macronutrient ratios
  • Restrict calories during any phase
  • Assume you need special "cycle syncing" nutrition
Simple Nutrition Strategy:
  • Maintain consistent protein intake
  • Eat balanced meals with carbs, protein, fat
  • Increase calories slightly if hungry (luteal phase)
  • Don't overthink macronutrient timing

For Symptom Management

Evidence-Based Approach:
✅ DO:
  • Use heat therapy for cramps
  • Stay hydrated
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Manage stress
  • Consider anti-inflammatory foods
  • Rest if symptoms are severe
❌ DON'T:
  • Avoid all exercise during menstruation
  • Push through severe pain
  • Ignore persistent symptoms
  • Self-diagnose without professional input
When to Seek Help:
  • Severe cramps affecting daily life
  • Debilitating fatigue
  • Mood changes affecting function
  • Symptoms interfering with work/exercise
  • Consider PMDD screening if severe

Individual Variability: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All

The Huge Range of Cycle-Related Changes

Performance Changes Across Women:
Response Type % of Women Typical Change
No noticeable change 30-40% 0% performance variation
Slight changes 40-50% 5-10% variation
Moderate changes 10-15% 10-20% variation
Significant changes 5-10% 20%+ variation

Why So Much Variation?
  1. Genetic differences
    • Hormone receptor sensitivity varies
    • Individual metabolic responses differ
  2. Hormonal contraceptive use
    • Suppresses natural cycle
    • Eliminates hormonal fluctuations
    • Different response patterns
  3. Stress and lifestyle
    • Stress hormones affect cycle
    • Sleep quality impacts performance
    • Nutrition status matters
  4. Training status
    • Elite athletes show different patterns
    • Untrained individuals show different responses
    • Adaptation level affects hormonal sensitivity
  5. Menstrual disorders
    • PMDD (severe premenstrual symptoms)
    • Irregular cycles
    • Hormonal imbalances
    • Require individualized approaches
Key Takeaway: Your cycle response is unique to YOU—not determined by generic social media advice.

Special Considerations

Athletes and Competitive Performance

For Competitive Athletes:
✅ Track your patterns over multiple cycles
✅ Note performance variations if they exist
✅ Adjust training if beneficial for YOUR data
✅ Work with sports medicine professionals
✅ Avoid rigid protocols that don't match your response
❌ Don't assume social media advice applies
❌ Don't follow generic "athlete cycle syncing" plans
❌ Don't restrict training without evidence
Professional Support:
  • Sports medicine doctors
  • Strength and conditioning coaches familiar with menstrual cycles
  • Sports nutritionists
  • Avoid unqualified social media influencers


Women with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

What is PMDD?
  • Severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Affects 3-8% of menstruating women
  • Debilitating mood, anxiety, and physical symptoms
  • Requires clinical management
PMDD and Exercise:
  • Symptoms may significantly impact exercise capacity
  • Rest and recovery more important during luteal phase
  • Professional medical management recommended
  • Cycle syncing may be beneficial but requires personalization
Treatment Options:
  • SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
  • Hormonal contraceptives
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Professional mental health support
Recommendation: Women with PMDD should work with healthcare providers, not rely on social media cycle syncing advice.

Hormonal Contraceptive Users

How Hormonal Birth Control Affects Cycles:
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs):
  • Suppress natural hormonal fluctuations
  • Create artificial hormone levels
  • Eliminate natural cycle phases
  • Different response patterns than natural cycles
Progestin-Only Methods:
  • Variable effects on cycle
  • Some suppress ovulation, others don't
  • Individual responses vary
Implications for Cycle Syncing:
  • Traditional cycle syncing doesn't apply
  • No natural hormonal peaks and valleys
  • Performance patterns may differ from non-users
  • Individual tracking still valuable
Research Gap: Limited studies on cycle syncing in hormonal contraceptive users.

The Bottom Line: What Science Says About Cycle Syncing

Summary of Evidence

Strengths of Cycle Syncing Concept: ✅ Acknowledges menstrual cycle exists ✅ Encourages body awareness ✅ May help women feel empowered ✅ Can prompt tracking of personal patterns ✅ Addresses real menstrual symptoms
Weaknesses of Cycle Syncing as Promoted: ❌ Overstates performance benefits ❌ Ignores huge individual variability ❌ Promotes one-size-fits-all approach ❌ Often based on anecdotal evidence ❌ Social media claims lack scientific support

Evidence-Based Conclusion

What We Know:
  • Menstrual cycles involve real hormonal changes
  • Some women experience performance variations
  • Menstrual symptoms are common and real
  • Individual responses vary enormously
What We Don't Know:
  • Whether formal cycle syncing improves outcomes
  • Universal guidelines for cycle-based training
  • Optimal nutrition timing by cycle phase
  • Long-term effects of cycle syncing protocols
What We Can Recommend:
  • Train consistently year-round
  • Listen to your body
  • Track YOUR patterns (not social media claims)
  • Manage symptoms as needed
  • Seek professional guidance if needed
  • Personalize based on individual response

How to Evaluate Cycle Syncing Claims

Red Flags in Social Media Content

🚩 Claims without citations
  • "Science shows..." but no links to studies
  • Anecdotal evidence presented as fact
🚩 Unrealistic promises
  • "50% performance improvement"
  • "Transform your body with cycle syncing"
  • "Guaranteed results"
🚩 Unqualified creators
  • No medical/scientific credentials
  • No mention of limitations
  • Selling products/programs
🚩 One-size-fits-all advice
  • "All women should..."
  • "Everyone benefits from..."
  • Ignores individual variation
🚩 Misrepresented research
  • Cherry-picking studies
  • Overstating effect sizes
  • Ignoring contradictory evidence

Green Flags in Quality Content

✅ Cites peer-reviewed research
  • Links to actual studies
  • Discusses limitations
  • Acknowledges gaps in knowledge
✅ Acknowledges individual variation
  • "Results vary by person"
  • "Track your own patterns"
  • "Consult healthcare provider"
✅ Qualified sources
  • Medical doctors
  • Sports scientists
  • Registered dietitians
  • Coaches with relevant credentials
✅ Balanced perspective
  • Discusses what's supported vs. not
  • Acknowledges limitations
  • Avoids exaggeration
✅ Encourages personalization
  • "Try it and see if it works for you"
  • "Track your own data"
  • "Adjust based on your response"

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cycle syncing actually improve athletic performance?

Answer: Research shows only trivial performance differences between cycle phases. While some individual women may notice variations, the effect is minimal and highly variable. Social media claims of dramatic improvements are not supported by evidence.
Citation: McNulty et al., 2020; Colenso-Semple et al., 2023

Should I avoid heavy lifting during my period?

Answer: No. Research shows no difference in strength training adaptations across cycle phases. You can strength train effectively during menstruation. Adjust intensity based on how you feel, not the calendar.
Citation: Colenso-Semple et al., 2023

Do I need to eat differently during different cycle phases?

Answer: Not necessarily. While calorie needs increase slightly during the luteal phase (100-300 calories), most women naturally compensate through hunger cues. Formal cycle-based nutrition plans are not required for most women.
Citation: Draper et al., 2018; Helm et al., 2021

Is cycle syncing backed by science?

Answer: Partially. The concept acknowledges real hormonal changes, but the specific benefits claimed on social media are not well-supported by research. Individual variability is enormous, making universal guidelines impossible.
Citation: McNulty et al., 2020; Pfender et al., 2024; Pfender et al., 2025

Can cycle syncing help with menstrual symptoms?

Answer: Possibly, but it's not a substitute for medical treatment. Managing symptoms through heat, hydration, sleep, stress management, and rest is evidence-based. For severe symptoms (PMDD), professional medical care is needed.
Citation: Bruinvels et al., 2020; Handy et al., 2022

Should I track my menstrual cycle for exercise?

Answer: Tracking can be helpful for understanding YOUR personal patterns. However, avoid following generic social media protocols. Track your own performance, mood, and symptoms to identify patterns unique to you.
Citation: McNulty et al., 2020

What if I don't notice any cycle-related performance changes?

Answer: That's completely normal. 30-40% of women show no noticeable performance variations across their cycle. You're not doing anything wrong—individual responses vary widely.
Citation: McNulty et al., 2020; Colenso-Semple et al., 2023

Are hormonal contraceptives compatible with cycle syncing?

Answer: Traditional cycle syncing doesn't apply because hormonal contraceptives suppress natural cycle fluctuations. However, tracking your own patterns on contraceptives can still be useful.
Research Gap: Limited studies on this topic.

Moving Forward: A Balanced Approach

Recommended Strategy

1. Ignore Generic Social Media Advice
  • Don't follow influencer "cycle syncing" protocols
  • Avoid one-size-fits-all training plans
  • Be skeptical of dramatic performance claims
2. Track Your Own Patterns
  • Note exercise performance over 2-3 cycles
  • Track mood, energy, and symptoms
  • Identify YOUR personal patterns (if any)
3. Listen to Your Body
  • Adjust intensity based on how you feel
  • Rest when needed
  • Push when you feel strong
4. Manage Symptoms Proactively
  • Use evidence-based strategies (heat, hydration, rest)
  • Seek professional help for severe symptoms
  • Don't ignore debilitating menstrual issues
5. Maintain Consistency
  • Train year-round
  • Eat balanced nutrition consistently
  • Don't drastically change routines based on cycle phase
6. Seek Professional Guidance
  • Work with qualified coaches/trainers
  • Consult sports medicine professionals if needed
  • Avoid unqualified social media influencers

Conclusion: Science vs. Hype

The Reality of Cycle Syncing:
Cycle syncing acknowledges something real—menstrual cycles involve hormonal changes that affect the body. However, the benefits promoted on social media far exceed what current research supports.
What We Know:
  • Menstrual symptoms are real and common
  • Hormonal fluctuations occur
  • Individual responses vary enormously
  • Performance differences between cycle phases are trivial
What We Don't Know:
  • Whether formal cycle syncing improves outcomes
  • Universal training guidelines by cycle phase
  • Optimal nutrition timing by cycle phase
  • Long-term effectiveness of cycle syncing protocols
Best Approach:
  • Train consistently year-round
  • Personalize based on YOUR patterns
  • Manage symptoms effectively
  • Seek professional guidance
  • Be skeptical of social media claims
Bottom Line: Your menstrual cycle is real and important, but cycle syncing as promoted on social media is largely hype. Focus on consistency, listen to your body, and track your own data rather than following generic social media protocols.

References

McNulty, K., Elliott-Sale, K., Dolan, E., Swinton, P., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Thomas, K., & Hicks, K. (2020). The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.z.), 50, 1813 - 1827. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01319-3

Draper, C., Duisters, K., Weger, B., Chakrabarti, A., Harms, A., Brennan, L., Hankemeier, T., Goulet, L., Konz, T., Martin, F., Moco, S., & Greef, J. (2018). Menstrual cycle rhythmicity: metabolic patterns in healthy women. Scientific Reports, 8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-32647-0

Bruinvels, G., Goldsmith, E., Blagrove, R., Simpkin, A., Lewis, N., Morton, K., Suppiah, A., Rogers, J., Ackerman, K., Newell, J., & Pedlar, C. (2020). Prevalence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with availability to train and compete: a study of 6812 exercising women recruited using the Strava exercise app. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55, 438 - 443. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102792

Pfender, E., Kuijpers, K., Wanzer, C., & Bleakley, A. (2024). Cycle Syncing and TikTok's Digital Landscape: A Reasoned Action Elicitation Through a Critical Feminist Lens. Qualitative Health Research, 35, 1191 - 1203. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323241297683

Helm, M., McGinnis, G., & Basu, A. (2021). Impact of Nutrition-Based Interventions on Athletic Performance during Menstrual Cycle Phases: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126294

Kolić, P., Sims, D., Hicks, K., Thomas, L., & Morse, C. (2021). Physical Activity and the Menstrual Cycle: A Mixed-Methods Study of Women's Experiences. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal. https://doi.org/10.1123/wspaj.2020-0050

Rocha-Rodrigues, S., Sousa, M., Reis, P., Leão, C., Cardoso-Marinho, B., Massada, M., & Afonso, J. (2021). Bidirectional Interactions between the Menstrual Cycle, Exercise Training, and Macronutrient Intake in Women: A Review. Nutrients, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020438

Colenso-Semple, L., D'Souza, A., Elliott-Sale, K., & Phillips, S. (2023). Current evidence shows no influence of women's menstrual cycle phase on acute strength performance or adaptations to resistance exercise training. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1054542

Pierson, E., Althoff, T., Thomas, D., Hillard, P., & Leskovec, J. (2021). Daily, weekly, seasonal and menstrual cycles in women's mood, behaviour and vital signs. Nature Human Behaviour, 5, 716 - 725. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-020-01046-9

Rosińska-Lewandoska, D., Lewandowska, D., Ufnal, J., Podraza, A., Strep, D., Grabowska, J., Kwiatkowski, M., Romańczyk, P., Białczak, J., & Kanownik, W. (2025). The Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. https://doi.org/10.12775/jehs.2025.78.57659

Handy, A., Greenfield, S., Yonkers, K., & Payne, L. (2022). Psychiatric Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle in Adult Women: A Comprehensive Review. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 30, 100 - 117. https://doi.org/10.1097/hrp.0000000000000329
Paludo, A., Cook, C., Owen, J., Woodman, T., Irwin, J., & Crewther, B. (2020). The impact of menstrual-cycle phase on basal and exercise-induced hormones, mood, anxiety and exercise performance in physically-active women. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10844-2

Kissow, J., Jacobsen, K., Gunnarsson, T., Jessen, S., & Hostrup, M. (2022). Effects of Follicular and Luteal Phase-Based Menstrual Cycle Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Mass. Sports Medicine, 52, 2813 - 2819. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01679-y

Pfender, E., Wanzer, C., Mikkers, L., & Bleakley, A. (2025). Sync or Swim: Navigating the Tides of Menstrual Cycle Messaging on TikTok. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 57, 127 - 132. https://doi.org/10.1111/psrh.70004

Ekenros, L., Von Rosen, P., Norrbom, J., Holmberg, H., Sundberg, C., Fridén, C., & Hirschberg, A. (2024). Impact of Menstrual cycle-based Periodized training on Aerobic performance, a Clinical Trial study protocol—the IMPACT study. Trials, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-07921-4
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